lobby

1 of 2

noun

lob·​by ˈlä-bē How to pronounce lobby (audio)
plural lobbies
1
: a corridor or hall connected with a larger room or series of rooms and used as a passageway or waiting room: such as
a
: an anteroom of a legislative chamber
especially : one of two anterooms of a British parliamentary chamber to which members go to vote during a division
b
: a large hall serving as a foyer (as of a hotel or theater)
2
: a group of persons engaged in lobbying especially as representatives of a particular interest group
the gun lobby
the oil lobby

lobby

2 of 2

verb

lobbied; lobbying

intransitive verb

: to conduct activities aimed at influencing public officials and especially members of a legislative body on legislation

transitive verb

1
: to promote (something, such as a project) or secure the passage of (legislation) by influencing public officials
lobby a bill through Congress
2
: to attempt to influence or sway (someone, such as a public official) toward a desired action
lobbying senators for tax reform
lobbyer noun
lobbyism noun

Examples of lobby in a Sentence

Noun I'll meet you in the lobby after the show. The proposed new law is supported by the oil lobby. Verb an organization that has been lobbying for reform of the tax laws The health-care industry has lobbied against the proposal. an organization that has been lobbying Congress for reform of the tax laws a player who has lobbied hard to be included in the team's starting lineup I lobbied our company for a new computer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The gilded lobby, accented by marble and crystal chandeliers, is like stepping back in time. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024 The celebration was held in the lobby of Applied Materials Building 1, which was its original headquarters in Santa Clara, and the sounds of a jazz trio provided by San Jose Jazz filled the lobby — much to the confusion and delight of employees walking past. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 The custom triplex has multiple large common spaces, including an upper-level lobby, which provides access to the upper two units, a stone-walled courtyard and stairs to the living roof. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 The lobby, as elegant as an art museum, was finished in marble and hardwood and featured a glass wall, three stories tall, overlooking the presses that receded far in the distance. Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 The distillery will bring its bartenders to the Foundation Hotel for four evenings at the hotel's Satellite Bar in the elevator lobby. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 7 Mar. 2024 Remodeling an Art Deco gem The Andaz Miami Beach remodeling plans include changing the entryway, lobby, ground and second floor interiors. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 In the lobby and Ryal Bar, guests will enjoy Rare Tea Company blends, plus seasonal and themed pastries. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 It will be connected to the fourth concept, a lobby bar with a stylish, classic vibe. The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024
Verb
Are there any groups of creators who are lobbying for this not to be banned for that reason? Lauren Goode Michael Calore, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2024 But TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew has suggested the app would not be sold, and the social media company has lobbied against the bill — even appealing to users through the app. Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 The 52-year-old independent voter, who is Black, cited her efforts to reach out to younger voters and lobbying against gun violence. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024 Club for Growth has also dispatched former Trump aide Kellyanne Conway to lobby lawmakers to oppose the TikTok ban. Tom Maloney, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2024 When the bill was introduced in January, the lobbying organization for local governments issued a statement criticizing the proposal. The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Supporting these aims requires open hearts and minds to engage, lobby, serve and stand with both sides and all who suffer in between. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Good food is good business Some food processors will predictably resist with lobbying efforts to minimize labeling changes and seek loopholes and exceptions. Julie Chapon, Fortune Europe, 5 Mar. 2024 Shipton has advocated for his brother's release, including visiting Washington, D.C., to lobby on Assange's behalf. Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lobby.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Medieval Latin lobium gallery, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German louba porch

First Known Use

Noun

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1820, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of lobby was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near lobby

Cite this Entry

“Lobby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lobby. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lobby

1 of 2 noun
lob·​by ˈläb-ē How to pronounce lobby (audio)
plural lobbies
1
: a hall or entry especially when large enough to serve as a waiting room
a hotel lobby
2
: a group of persons engaged in lobbying
the oil lobby

lobby

2 of 2 verb
lobbied; lobbying
: to try to influence public officials and especially members of a legislative body
lobbyist noun

Legal Definition

lobby

1 of 2 noun
lob·​by
plural lobbies
: a group of persons engaged in lobbying especially as representatives of a particular interest group

lobby

2 of 2 verb
lobbied; lobbying

intransitive verb

: to conduct activities aimed at influencing public officials and especially members of a legislative body on legislation

transitive verb

: to attempt to influence or sway (as a public official) toward a desired action
lobbyer noun
lobbyist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lobby

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